Students care about having a career that makes a difference, and earns them a high salary. This is one of the key findings to come out of our Career Test Report, and we’re working to offer young people the resources they need to find and succeed in careers that align with their goals and values.
That’s why this article will explore careers within key subject areas that have high potential for social impact and salary. We’ll explore careers in engineering and computer science, medicine, law, business and economics, politics and international relations, and psychology and neuroscience.
But, before we jump into the careers…
What Is the Career Test Report?
At Oxford Scholastica, we’ve collated data from 3,016 students who completed our Career Test to highlight key trends and insights concerning how Gen Z view their careers and futures.
Our Career Test Report is based on responses from students at more than 1,500 schools across the world. This allows us to find out what matters most to students when they’re exploring careers, as well as which skills students are most and least confident with.
What is the Oxford Scholastica Career Test?
The Oxford Scholastica Career Test asks students to score themselves in a series of questions about their skills, interests and preferences in relation to their future.
Students who complete the test receive tailored career recommendations, along with resources and insights to empower them on their journey towards a fulfilling career.
What are the key findings?
Students were asked to score, from 1-5, to what extent they agreed that certain factors were important to them when considering careers.
Of these factors, impact and salary consistently scored the highest. The average score for salary was 4.21 and the average score for impact was 4.23. Nearly half (49.6%) of students scored impact a 5, with only 1.9% scoring it a 1. It’s clear that it matters to students whether their careers make a positive impact.
However, our data found that as students’ score for impact increased, the average score for salary plateaued and even fell marginally as impact score increased from 4 to 5. This might suggest that students looking to create positive change in their work are more willing to accept a lower salary for an impactful role, or are less concerned with making a higher salary overall.
With that in mind, here’s our curated list of high-impact and high-salary careers across a range of industries.
Engineering & Computer Science Careers
In an increasingly digital and tech-driven world, careers in engineering and computer science offer highly valuable skills. These skills can be applied to tackle a range of pressing challenges, from environmental sustainability to problems in healthcare or finance. Thus, engineering and computer science offer a wide range of careers, with the potential to make a large positive impact and earn a high salary by solving complex problems.
Our top three careers are:
1. Software engineer
£30,000-£90,000 per annum / $60,000-$160,000 per annum
Software engineers design, develop and maintain software applications and systems. They solve complex problems and ensure software runs efficiently and securely. Through this, they contribute to the creation of digital tools and applications that we use daily.
Software engineers can create innovative solutions, improve the accessibility of technology and drive technological advancements. For example, many engineers work on projects that make daily life more efficient or develop software for medical applications which can positively impact countless lives.
2. Data scientist
£35,000-£100,000 per annum / $70,000-$150,000 per annum
Data scientists analyse and interpret complex data to extract insights and patterns. They apply statistical analysis, machine learning and data mining techniques. They therefore play a vital role in data-informed decision making across various industries.
Data scientists use data to make informed decisions and solve real-world problems. They can work on projects related to healthcare, finance and environmental sustainability, contributing positively to these fields.
3. Sustainability consultant
£30,000-£80,000 per annum / $50,000-$100,000 per annum
A sustainability consultant advises businesses and organisations on adopting environmentally responsible practices. They help clients reduce their environmental footprint, implement sustainable strategies and achieve certifications like LEED. They are integral to creating a more eco-friendly future.
Sustainability consultants help organisations become environmentally responsible, which has a positive impact on the planet and future generations. They work on initiatives related to reducing carbon footprints, waste management and sustainable practices.
Medicine Careers
A career in medicine offers the opportunity to earn a high salary while simultaneously making a profoundly positive impact on individuals and communities. Through their expertise, healthcare professionals not only enjoy financial rewards, but also play a pivotal role in improving the health and wellbeing of countless patients, making it a rewarding and socially beneficial career choice.
Our top three careers are:
1. Specialist doctor
£60,000-£150,000 per annum / $150,000-$400,000 per annum
Specialist doctors provide care in a range of medical specialisations like cardiology, neurology or surgery. They diagnose and treat complex medical conditions, which often require advanced advanced procedures and specialised knowledge.
Specialist doctors directly impact patient health and wellbeing by providing advanced medical care and expertise. Specialist doctors save lives and improve the quality of life for countless patients across their career. There are also opportunities to get involved with public health campaigns and to support related social movements.
2. Surgeon
£75,000-£150,000 per annum / Often >$300,000 per annum
Surgeons perform surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases or deformities. Specialties include cardiovascular surgery, orthopaedic surgery and more.
Surgeons directly and significantly impact patients’ lives by performing surgical interventions to improve health and save lives. Their expertise is critical in complex medical cases.
3. Medical researcher
£30,000-£70,000 / $50,000-$120,000
Medical researchers conduct scientific studies to advance medical knowledge and improve healthcare by investigating diseases, testing new treatments and contributing to medical breakthroughs.
Medical researchers work at the forefront of improving patient care and the understanding of medical conditions, contributing to the development of new treatments and therapies.
If you’re interested in a career in medical research, our online Medicine research internships are an excellent starting point.
Law Careers
A career in law provides the potential for a substantial income alongside the opportunity to create a positive impact on society. Lawyers and legal professionals navigate complex legal issues, advocate for justice and uphold the rule of law, making a meaningful difference in individuals’ lives and society as a whole.
Our top three careers are:
1. Corporate lawyer
£40,000-£100,000 per annum / $70,000-$190,000 per annum
Corporate lawyers specialise in legal matters related to businesses and organisations. They provide legal advice, draft contracts and handle various legal aspects of corporate operations.
Corporate lawyers ensure that businesses operate within legal boundaries and uphold ethical and legal standards. They support the smooth functioning of companies and compliance with regulations, and the promotion of corporate social responsibility.
2. Human rights advocate
£25,000-£60,000 per annum / $40,000-$80,000 per annum
Human rights advocates promote and protect human rights and civil liberties by working on issues like discrimination, social justice and legal reforms.
Human rights advocates champion important causes and work to bring about positive changes in society. They increase awareness, equality and legal reforms, and protect people’s fundamental rights.
3. Environmental lawyer
£40,000-£80,000 per annum / $60,000-$130,000 per annum
Environmental lawyers focus on legal cases related to environmental protection and sustainability. They represent clients in actions involving pollution, land use and resource management.
Environmental lawyers create a positive impact by upholding environmental laws and safeguarding natural resources. Thus, they contribute to preserving the environment for future generations.
Business & Economics Careers
A career in business and economics can lead to financial success while simultaneously fostering positive change within organisations and communities. Professionals in these fields play a pivotal role in driving innovation, improving efficiency and sustainability, and promoting economic prosperity, all while securing their own financial success.
Our top three careers are:
1. Sustainable finance analyst
£35,000-£80,000 per annum / $60,000-$120,000 per annum
A sustainable finance analyst assesses investment opportunities based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria to support ethical and sustainable investments.
Sustainable finance analysts direct investments towards environmentally and socially responsible projects, encouraging ethical financial decisions.
2. Corporate responsibility manager
£40,000-£80,000 per annum / $60,000-$110,000 per annum
A corporate responsibility manager oversees a company’s efforts to integrate ethical and socially responsible practices. They manage sustainability initiatives, community engagement and responsible business practices.
Corporate responsibility managers promote responsible and ethical business practices, benefitting society, the environment and the company’s reputation.
3. Entrepreneur
Significant variation
Entrepreneurs establish and run a business or start-up, developing innovative ideas, products or services and managing all aspects of their business.
Entrepreneurs drive economic growth, create jobs and can bring about transformative changes through innovative solutions. Many successful entrepreneurs also use their high salaries to make significant charitable donations to beneficial causes.
Politics & International Relations Careers
A career in politics and international relations provides an opportunity to influence policy, diplomacy and global affairs. Those engaged in these fields can shape the direction of nations, address critical global issues, and work towards a more peaceful and just world.
Our top three careers are:
1. Diplomat
£30,000-£80,000 per annum / $50,000-$110,000 per annum
Diplomats represent a country’s interests, negotiate agreements and maintain international relations. They address global issues and foster diplomatic relations.
Diplomats work towards international cooperation, peace and the resolution of global challenges.
2. Political analyst
£30,000-£70,000 per annum / $50,000-$100,000 per annum
A political analyst examines political trends, policies and events to provide insights, forecasts and expert analysis on political issues.
Political analysts contribute to informed decision making and public understanding of complex political matters. They can influence policy towards positive outcomes.
3. International development expert
£25,000-£45,000 per annum / $40,000-$60,000 per annum
International development experts work to improve living conditions in developing countries. They implement projects related to health, education, infrastructure and sustainable development.
International development experts make a significant impact by addressing poverty, inequality and promoting sustainable development.
Psychology & Neuroscience Careers
In the midst of the ongoing mental health crisis, a career in psychology and neuroscience takes on heightened significance as it provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals’ mental wellbeing. Professionals in these fields play a crucial role in addressing the escalating mental health challenges, offering therapeutic support, conducting research and contributing to the solutions needed to improve mental health on both individual and societal levels.
Our top three careers are:
1. Clinical psychologist
£30,000-£80,000 per annum / $50,000-$120,000 per annum
Clinical psychologists provide mental health care, and diagnose and treat psychological disorders. They offer therapy and counselling to individuals and groups.
Clinical psychologists improve mental health and wellbeing, help people overcome challenges and enhance people’s quality of life.
2. Neuroscientist
£30,000-£70,000 per annum / $50,000-$100,000 per annum
Neuroscientists study the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. They research various aspects of neuroscience, from cognition to disorders.
Neuroscientists contribute to our understanding of the brain, which can lead to breakthroughs in treatments for neurological conditions and mental health.
3. Educational psychologist
£35,000-£65,000 per annum / $60,000-$100,000 per annum
Educational psychologists focus on the intersection of psychology and education. They study how students learn and develop, and apply psychological principles to enhance teaching and learning methods.
Educational psychologists contribute to improving educational systems, enhancing teaching techniques and helping students overcome learning challenges.
This article has highlighted careers that create a positive impact on society while also attracting high salaries. Young people have shown that both impact and salary are crucial to their decisions about future careers, and so it’s vital that they’re able to explore careers which offer both.
Students don’t need to decide between a career that makes a positive impact and one which earns a high salary. It’s possible to find a career that does both. This list is a good place to begin exploring career options, but it’s by no means an exhaustive offering. By continuing to explore subject interests and options, students will narrow down their own best career path.
By Izzy Mencattelli
Izzy is a graduate of Oxford University, where she read Philosophy, Politics and Economics. While studying, she developed a particular interest in ethics and wrote her undergraduate thesis on the ethics of the family. Alongside her studies, she volunteered on numerous charity projects and spent a year as President of Oxford RAG. Izzy now works as Project Executive at Oxford Scholastica, supporting the delivery of a range of projects to help students get the edge for their futures.
